Mercedes Housing Authority

Mercedes, Texas

Last Updated

Less than an hour ago

About Mercedes Housing Authority

The Mercedes Housing Authority (PHA Code: TX029) is located in Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas. This authority manages approximately 654 assisted housing units, which include 424 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and 230 Public Housing units. These programs aim to provide rental assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families within the community.

Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program waitlist is open for new applications, having recently changed from a closed status. The Public Housing program waitlist is presently closed; it was previously open. For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit for the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA area is $39,700 per year, which is a key factor for eligibility.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Waitlist

Status

open

Open Date

Mar 20, 2026

How to Apply

Multiple

Accepting applications — no deadline
Open until further notice
Open Now
Apply Now — Official Portal

Additional Notes

Eligible applicants are very low-income families, including single persons, elderly, or disabled, with incomes at 50% or less of the median income for the area.

Other Programs

1 program

These programs are administered by this housing authority but do not have active waitlist openings at this time. Statuses are verified nightly and subscribers will be notified when changes are detected.

Public Housing
Closed

The average waiting period is 6 months to a year. To check status, visit the office every third Thursday of the month with ID.

This waitlist is currently closed. It is monitored nightly — you'll be alerted when it reopens.

Status History

HCV Opened Mar 20, 2026
Public Housing Closed Mar 6, 2026
HCV Closed Mar 2, 2026
HCV Opened Feb 25, 2026
Public Housing Opened Feb 21, 2026
Public Housing unknown Feb 20, 2026

Official Application

Apply directly through the official Mercedes Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.

Go to Official Site

WARNING: DO NOT PAY ANYONE TO APPLY FOR HOUSING

Contact Information

Address 306 W 5th St
City Mercedes, TX 78570
PHA Code TX029
Section 8 Units 424
Public Housing Units 230

Important Notices

  • Waiting lists can close without notice once a specific number of applications is reached.

  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date with the PHA to avoid being removed from the list.

How to Apply at Mercedes Housing Authority

1

Check Current Status

Mercedes Housing Authority currently has 1 open waiting list (HCV). Application windows can close with little notice, so apply as soon as possible.

2

Gather Required Documents

For Section 8 voucher programs at Mercedes Housing Authority, you will typically need: government-issued photo ID for all adult household members, Social Security cards for all members, birth certificates for minors, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters), and proof of current address. For a family of four, income must be below $39,700/year to qualify in this area. Having these ready before the waitlist opens can make the difference between getting on the list and missing the window.

3

Submit Your Application

Apply directly through the official Mercedes Housing Authority portal. Applications are free — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf. If applying online, take a screenshot of your confirmation page for your records.

4

After You Apply

Once accepted onto the waiting list at Mercedes Housing Authority, keep your contact information updated. Most housing authorities will remove applicants who cannot be reached. Mercedes Housing Authority manages approximately 654 assisted housing units (424 Section 8, 230 Public Housing), and wait times depend on turnover and demand in Mercedes. You will be notified when your name reaches the top of the list for eligibility verification.

Programs at Mercedes Housing Authority

HCV Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) open

The Housing Choice Voucher program at Mercedes Housing Authority provides rental assistance that allows you to choose any privately-owned rental unit that meets program requirements. You pay approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the remainder up to the Fair Market Rent for Mercedes. This program serves approximately 424 households. Vouchers are portable — you can take them with you if you move to a different city or state.

Public Housing Public Housing closed

Public Housing units at Mercedes Housing Authority are owned and operated directly by the housing authority. Rent is set at 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Mercedes Housing Authority manages approximately 230 Public Housing units in Mercedes. You may request a transfer to other Public Housing developments but cannot use this benefit at private rental properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is applying at Mercedes Housing Authority free?
Yes. Applying for any federally-funded housing assistance program is always free. Mercedes Housing Authority administers 2 programs (HCV, Public Housing) — none of which charge an application fee. If any website or person asks you to pay money to apply, it is a scam. Always apply directly through the housing authority's official portal or in person at their office at 306 W 5th St, Mercedes, TX.
How long is the wait at Mercedes Housing Authority?
Wait times at Mercedes Housing Authority depend on demand in Mercedes, funding levels, and your priority status. With approximately 654 assisted housing units, turnover determines how quickly the list moves. The most recent status change we tracked was on March 20, 2026 when the HCV list changed from "closed" to "open." Families with children, elderly applicants, and disabled individuals may receive priority placement. Contact Mercedes Housing Authority directly for current estimated wait times.
Can I apply to other housing authorities while on this waitlist?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of housing authority waiting lists you can join simultaneously. There are 8 other housing authorities within 100 miles of Mercedes Housing Authority, including Weslaco Housing Authority (4 mi), Hidalgo County Housing Authority (5 mi), Donna Housing Authority (8 mi). Applying to multiple PHAs in Texas and neighboring states is strongly recommended to increase your chances. Browse all housing authorities in Texas.
How do I contact Mercedes Housing Authority?
You can reach Mercedes Housing Authority by phone at (956) 565-3139. Their office is located at 306 W 5th St, Mercedes, TX 78570. You can also email them at art.torres@mercedesha.org. Office hours may vary — call ahead to confirm.
What are the income limits for Mercedes Housing Authority?
Income limits for Mercedes Housing Authority are set by HUD based on the Area Median Income for McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA (currently $63,300). For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) is $39,700. Most Section 8 and Public Housing programs require your household income to be at or below this level. See the full income limits table below.

Mercedes Housing Authority Income Limits

Income limits for programs at the Mercedes Housing Authority are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX MSA. For a household of four, the current limit for Section 8 eligibility (Very Low Income) is $39,700. Limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size.

Household Size Extremely Low
30% AMI
Very Low
50% AMI
Low Income
80% AMI
1 Person $16,700 $27,800 $44,450
2 Persons $21,150 $31,800 $50,800
3 Persons $26,650 $35,750 $57,150
4 Persons $32,150 $39,700 $63,500
5 Persons $37,650 $42,900 $68,600
6 Persons $43,150 $46,100 $73,700
7 Persons $48,650 $49,250 $78,750
8 Persons $52,450 $52,450 $83,850
Source: HUD FY 2025 Income Limits Area Median Income: $63,300 Effective April 1, 2025
What do these income limits mean?

Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) — Households earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. This is the threshold for the lowest-income tier of assistance. Many housing authorities give preference to applicants at this level.

Very Low Income (50% AMI) — The standard eligibility threshold for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and most Public Housing programs. Your household income must be at or below this limit to qualify.

Low Income (80% AMI) — Some programs, including Project-Based Vouchers and certain local initiatives, use this higher threshold. Check with this housing authority for specific program requirements.